Tail-light

[dstates]

I’m looking into what my options are for going with LED for my nav lights. I was looking at my tail-light this evening to see if I could just replace the bulb with a LED bulb or what the mounting is like if I replace it all together to get anti-collision as well.

All this to say, I’m not sure how to either replace a bulb on my current tail-light or how to remove it all together. Below is a picture. I didn’t want to twist anything too hard without confirming that is the correct way to disassemble it. I’m also assuming that to replace the fixture I would have to drill out what look like rivets. It doesn’t look like it matches the parts catalog.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Doug

[4583C]

Looks like somebody modified a license plate light to mount in that hole. Pretty sure the original didn’t come from Taiwan

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Yes, your light socket has been changed to something it probably shouldn't be. If the holes top and bottom are open and the threads good the mount looks OK. Before I touched it I'd have another socket and lens on hand and just replace what ever you find with it. I wouldn't be surprised to find your current socket just glued or jammed in place.

I would suggest there are lots of folks who have recently installed a TailBeacon, who have all the parts you need for shipping cost as the socket and lens are removed and become junk hanger. I might even be able to help if I can find one of the three sets I removed last month.

Of course I see in another thread you need ADS-B out yourself. Maybe you just install a TailBeacon yourself and You would be done with it.

Otherwise, after you have the correct parts, find an LED.

[dstates]

Thanks, guys. That makes sense. I didn't put 2 + 2 together that made in Taiwan doesn't really fit with 1950's aircraft parts

I have a feeling that if I try to remove this I'd be better off taking it out in pieces than trying to salvage it. If someone did have a socket and lens that they weren't using I'd be interested in them to get this back to the way it should be.

I am considering a TailBeacon, but I'm not ready to commit to that yet. I'd prefer an in/out solution if I can afford it.

Doug

[GAHorn]

Aren’t those four phillips-head screws around the circumference? (Difficult to tell in the photo of this non-standard light.) Removing them should allow you to pull the assembly out for better disassembly.

[dstates]

George,

Here is a better picture showing those are rivets around the outside. Sorry that the pictures are rotated.

[dstates]

And it looks like I should have done a little more research before posting the original question...

I just Googled the PM-438 number from the side of the bezel and it is indeed a license plate light. Looks like I should be able to pop it out as it has a snap in feature.

[GAHorn]

OMG

[dstates]

OMG

George,
Is the originality nut in you about to crack?


All,
If you do happen to have an original tail-light socket lying around because you've updated to LED's let me know.

Doug

[GAHorn]

OMG

George,
Is the originality nut in you about to crack?


All,
If you do happen to have an original tail-light socket lying around because you've updated to LED's let me know.

Doug

I’m just frantically searching through my documents for the accompanying License-Plate mounting-bracket....

[170C]

Despite all the reasons not to have one of these, it apparently worked and imho did not endanger the safety of the aircraft. BUT I have to wonder if the annual/annuals were pencil whipped. Surely a competent inspector would have spotted this.

[GAHorn]

Despite all the reasons not to have one of these, it apparently worked and imho did not endanger the safety of the aircraft. BUT I have to wonder if the annual/annuals were pencil whipped. Surely a competent inspector would have spotted this.

Pokey,, just because someone else got away with it...don’t YOU try it! If that automotive wiring-insulation shorted out on your airplane it’d probably ignite all the oil on the tailwheel and as slow as your green-thing is the flames would likely travel forward and set the cabin on fire!

[dstates]

Pokey,

You may be more right than you know... This is my first year owning this plane and it has an interesting history. It spent its first 15 years in the Dakotas, MT and MN, then it spent the next 50 years in storage till two A&P brothers bought it and got it airworthy again. It has spent the last 15 years at my airport and not flying a whole lot and getting “100 hour inspections” ???

I’ve got a decently long squawk list for it. I’m working to make it the plane it deserves to be.

I’ve already replaced tires, replaced tailwheel springs, replaced voltage regulator, replaced #4 cylinder, replaced fuel quick drains, and repaired cabin heat valve. Big things on the list now that it is down for an annual inspection include: replacing the LH aileron, repair or replace fuel tank gauges, check fuel vent lines, and improve ground behind panel. If my A&P IA doesn’t find anything else big I’m hoping to update avionics later this year. So everyone here can get ready for more questions.

Thanks, everyone for all the help and support.
Doug

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Doug, if I remember, I'll try to find one I removed last month.

[c170b53]

I think if that’s the extent of your major squawk list, you’re doing good !
As for the light, I think it’s giggle value almost makes it a keeper.